Search - Dmitry Shostakovich, Roman Kofman, Beethoven Orchester Bonn :: Shostakovich: Symphony No. 8 [Hybrid SACD]

"A Dream Come True"

Frank Pandel | USA | 11/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This MDG release far outclasses every other recording of symphony 8 that is available. Clocking in at 70+ minutes you feel as though this is the only way it should be heard. After all you have a world class performance, an exemplary recording (MDG recordings are maked by natural acoustics, attention to detail to yield unparalleled dynamics, no sound limiting or filtering) so in this case you have so much quality inherent it might as well last longer.

I'll describe the superiority of this release another way: It is though there is a new instrument manufacturer who claims to produce the finest musical instruments available. And they are heard here. One of the critical elements of the 8th symphony is the percussion section. During the first movement battle scene you will hear "for the first time" tight and low kettle drums whereby the snare drum can be heard with crystal clarity. Also the same attributes apply to the end of the amazing third movement Allegro non Troppo as it proceeds into the Largo witness the percussion section paint circles above and way beyond every other recording! This MDG release is Volume 4 as part of a complete cycle of Shostakovich's symphonies. If you have other releases in this cycle you are already aware that you should have your volume control at a minimum of 12:00 to get the most of this world class recording."